Rebuild staff in demand

Skills shortages for the Christchurch rebuild and a lack of homes in Auckland are likely to be key factors influencing the employment sector in 2013, a report says.

The Hays Quarterly Report for January to March says construction staff are in hot demand with the Christchurch rebuild driving the need for residential project managers, civil forepersons and civil engineers as insurance companies and government departments release more projects.

Intermediate Quantity Surveyors are also eagerly sought after as businesses look to maximise their returns but there is a shortage of candidates made worse by demand for them in the earthquake-stricken city.

The report says a chronic housing shortage in Auckland has created a demand for civil project managers with subdivision experience while civil supervisors and machine operators experienced in ultrafast broadband and directional drilling are needed for the UFB [ultrafast broadband] rollout.

Jason Walker, managing director of Hays in New Zealand, said while unemployment rose to more than 7 per cent last year this did nothing to alleviate skill shortages across sectors including construction, IT and health.

"This polarisation was also reflected in the Hays Global Skills index which revealed of the 27 countries analysed, New Zealand had the greatest wage disparity between workers in highest demand and those in lowest demand."

"However going into 2013, hiring and business sentiment is more positive and we expect them to work with employers to find innovative ways to ensure they get the right people to help them grow in the New Year."